International fans drive accommodation demand across Kuala Lumpur and Sepang for the upcoming race weekend
KUALA LUMPUR – Travel interest in Malaysia has surged ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, with accommodation searches for Kuala Lumpur, Sepang, and surrounding areas jumping more than 160% year-on-year for the Oct. 2–4 race weekend.
According to data released by Airbnb, the spike is being led by international visitors, who accounted for approximately 75% of all searches. The largest volumes of incoming interest originated from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
While fans are looking at Sepang and neighbouring districts for convenient access to the circuit and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the federal capital remains the preferred hub for visitors. Kuala Lumpur captured more than 60% of accommodation searches, while Sepang drew nearly 25%, with additional interest spilling into Petaling and Hulu Langat.
The figures also point to extended tourism beyond the track. Roughly 80% of searches spanned beyond the three-day race weekend, with the median intended stay reaching nearly six nights. Group travel is a significant factor in the influx: pairs accounted for over a third of searches, while parties of two or more made up nearly 70% of inquiries.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s general manager for India and Southeast Asia, said the numbers illustrate how marquee sporting fixtures continue to power regional tourism and broader economic activity.
“Travel today is increasingly shaped by experiences,” Bajaj said in a statement. “People are making plans around concerts, festivals, sporting events and other occasions that bring communities together, and these experiences can create new opportunities for destinations to welcome visitors.”
Bajaj added that the spread of bookings allows travellers the flexibility to anchor their trips around the Grand Prix while exploring Kuala Lumpur's urban attractions and surrounding heritage sites before and after the event.
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